Headhunter Industry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Headhunter Industry - Essay Example "A headhunter could be described as an independent employment service that seeks out personnel for high - level executive positions; formally known as executive search company (or consultant)" (source: http://www.answers.com/topic/headhunter-2004'cat=biz-fin). The software industry emerged in the U.S. in the mid - 1970's, during the personal computer revolution. It encompasses within its domain, such services as the development, maintenance as well as publication of computer softwares. The industry has seen rapid growth since then and is developing at an amazing speed. The size of the industry could be gauged by its revenues, which totaled to an astonishing figure of $381 billion. The total world wide revenues in the year 2006 amounted to $394 billion representing a growth of 3.5% since the past one year (source: John Desmond, October 2006). With such increase in the size of the industry, the organizations today are increasingly resorting to availing the services of specialized recruitment agencies in order to tap the desired talents in the industry and hire the most desirable candidate for the jobs. However, prior to the emergence of such specialized talent hiring services, who have expertise in hiring talents from their particular field of knowledge; the recruitment process was highly traditional in its operation, consisting of employment agencies who were mostly approached by the prospective job seeker, whose application was then, to be forwarded to the respective organizations, thereby leading to a highly asymmetrical recruiting process. While yet others depended on their in - house recruiting firms, for hiring the right candidate for the job. However, the emergence of the headhunters brought about a revolutionary change in the way these organizations hired, recruited and managed their employable workforce, by introducing the concept of specialized services of niche recruiting, where the headhunters displayed exceptionally high skill levels in their knowledge about a particular occupation / job and helped the companies to hire the right candidate for the positions advertised with minimum effort, and through cost reduction and minimum amount of time by collaborating with the companies or organizations desiring to avail such specialized services (William Finlay, James Coverdill,2002) . The headhunters have a good standing in the society, whereby they are well linked to almost all the trade associations and groups in the industry. Their services are thus, mostly used for hiring talents, in terms of high managerial positions / senior management level positions, which is largely due to the fact that they hold specialized knowledge and expertise in their chosen field. Rationale The right mix of talented human resources coupled with dedication and efficient leadership leads to attainment of the predefined business goals and hence is a key to resolving any business issue. Thus the human resource management groups are increasingly turning towards the special recruitment service providers such as the headhunters, for hiring the best talent available amongst the workable population at their disposal, thereby availing the benefits such as lower recruitment costs, reduced time to close hiring requisitions, and freeing up resources to focus on strategic HR

Day with out phone Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Day with out phone - Essay Example According to a study conducted by Nokia in 2010, the average person checks phone 150 times per day. Considering that mobile industry has changed significantly over the last two years and mobile phones have more features, there is a possibility that an average person checks phone more often than the situation was in 2010 (Ling and Scott 22). Mobile phones have changed dramatically particularly with the invention of smart phones. As a result, mobile phones have become pocket-sized, powerful, and irreplaceable tools in human life. People are increasingly relying on their mobile phones handset in performing a set of tasks. Since smart phones have more advanced features and applications than the previous phones, they automate processes that would have previously required users to use computer. Users of smart phones can do many things that could have only been done using computer in the past. Apart from using smart phones to perform tasks, users also use them for entertainment purposes (Li ng and Scott 10). In the light of the uses of mobile phone in modern times, staying away from it for only a day is unimaginable and a cringing thought. While at first it may make one feel liberated and free from the oppressive nature of a never-ending notifications influx that constantly pull people’s attention from the real world, it may not take long before one realizes how indispensable tool it is (Obeidallah para 10). A former attorney who turned to be a political comedian, Dean Obeidallah wrote a piece in CNN titled â€Å"A Day without a Cell phone† where he explained how one can tend in such a situation. In the piece, Dean noted that a day without a phone gave him an opportunity to actually have a real look at his surroundings, an opportunity he would otherwise not have had if he had a phone (Obeidallah para 11). As noted by Dean and an observation that can be shared by majority of people is that a day without a phone saves one the stress that

Synthesis of API’s and API’s based Derivative

Synthesis of API’s and API’s based Derivative Title of Proposed Project: Efficient synthesis of API’s and API’s based Derivative for their Structure Activity Relationship and Pharmacokinetics Profile Project Details Project Summary This project concern with the establishment of organic synthesis facilities in Department of Chemistry, UNIVERSITY OF KARACHI. The established facilities will be used for the training of BS/M.Sc./MS/M.Phil. And Ph.D. scholars in the field of Organic Synthesis. In this project we will focus on the establishment of synthetic organic laboratory, the synthesis of the two API’s (Secnidazole Atenolol). We are requiring the following basic facilities which we want to establish by this research project. Facilities required for: Organic Synthesis Fuming HOODs for save, non-hazardous and smooth working at the moment. Inert atmosphere working conditions since many organic reactions requires inert condition. Safety equipment’s i.e. firefighting equipment’s, washing shower in case of chemical accident and first aid facilities. (UPS) as regular power breakdown results in the unsuccessful reactions and causing faults in the electronic instruments. UV lamp as processing of many reaction monitor under UV light. Rotary evaporator Partial availability of glass wares. MAS-II Microwave workstation for repaid synthesis of APIs. Proposed Goals / Objectives Hypothesis / Basis of research The purpose of this project is to setup a laboratory which can design (Organic Synthesis) and synthesize (Organic Synthesis) the APIs for the local Pharmaceutical industry along with the establishment of the required facilities. The following APIs will be synthesized. ATENOLOL Efficient Synthesis of Atenolol. Synthesis of Atenolol based derivatives for Structure-Activity Relationship Studies (SARS) and their pharmacokinetics profile SECNIDAZOLE Efficient Synthesis of Secnidazole Synthesis of Secnidazole based derivatives for Structure-Activity Relationship Studies (SARS) and their pharmacokinetics profile Goals / Objectives Boost up economy of Pakistan Synthetic solution for local industry. Provide sufficient amount of these drugs to common people. INTRODUCTION API stands for active pharmaceutical ingredients and its covers a lot of pharmaceutically active compounds which has great importance in industry as well as to common people as the insufficiency of these drugs causes hundreds of death. Due to the importance of API we decided to work with the synthesis of API as it will create the impact of API research on national level. The synthesis of API could decrease the import bill of such active ingredient in Pakistan and also opens the opportunity of job. This project could provide a platform to save the foreign currency reserves and supply sufficient amount of drugs to common people at low cost. Ours Efforts will be enabling to purpose the more efficient synthesis of complex molecules. In this project we have design the synthesis of the following APIs ATENOLOL Efficient Synthesis of Atenolol. Synthesis of Atenolol based derivatives for Structure-Activity Relationship Studies (SARS) and their pharmacokinetics profile SECNIDAZOLE Efficient Synthesis of Secnidazole Synthesis of Secnidazole based derivatives for Structure-Activity Relationship Studies (SARS) and their pharmacokinetics profile 4a) Background of the Research Problems to be addressed Secnidazole (Part: A) Efficient Synthesis of Secnidazole Secnidazole is a molecule which belongs to the class of 5-nitroimidazole and it is considerably more effective than other imidazole drugs. It is the important API required for the local industry. However it has been used for the treatment of amoebiasis, giardiasis, urogenital trichomoniasis and nonspecific bacterial vaginosis and also a gel formulation of secnidazole was developed for the treatment of periodontitis. . All nitroimidazoles are synthetic drugs such as metronidazole. Tinidazole, dimetridazole, secnidazole and ornidazole. Among all these we selected secnidazole because of its High efficacy. Secinidazole is the mainly use for antiprotozoal activity and its single dose possess three days anti protozoal activity. Figure 1: Chemical Structure IUPAC Name:1-(2-methyl-5-nitro-1H-imidazol-1-yl) propan-2-ol Figure 2: Proposed Two-Step Synthesis route for Secnidazole After observing the reaction condition and UV-Vis absorption, FTIR, ESI-MS and NMR results. The purposed scheme will be optimized. Synthesis of Secnidazole based derivatives for Structure-Activity Relationship Studies (SARS) and their pharmacokinetics profile Pharmacological and pharmacokinetic properties of existing drugs can be enhanced by chemical modifications. A prodrug (drug transporter) formation is a great approach to improve and modify the physio chemical properties of the drug, boost up its concentration at the site of action, extend its period of action and decrease its toxicity. Regarding 5–7% of drugs approved worldwide are categorized as prodrug. Prodrugs are the reversible, inactive or less active derivatives of a drug. Prodrugs are hydrolyzed either by enzymatically or non-enzymatically to discharge parent drug while the co-drugs (mutual prodrug) are the special type of prodrug in which two or more pharmacologically active pro moieties exist via chemical bond to release two or more parent drugs upon the cleavage of bond by enzymatically or chemically. The variety of chemical linkages used in the formation of Prodrugs. Although the ester formation is common followed by imides, amide and carbamate derivative. Thatâ₠¬â„¢s why in this project our aim is to synthesize the prodrug for its better mode of action and their structure activity relationship and their pharmacokinetics profile. ATENOLOL (Part: B) Efficient Synthesis of Atenolol Atenolol (ATN) belongs to the class of drug called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers (beta adrenoreceptor antagonists) are basically competitive inhibitor that’s inhibits the action of stimulating hormones on beta adrenergic receptors in the nervous system. Atenolol works by competing for receptors sites on cardiac muscle. This slow down the strength of heart‘s contractions and reduce its oxygen requirements and the volume of blood it has to pump. Atenolol is one of the extensive used active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) for the treatment of Hypertension, myocardial infarction (Heart attack), Arrhythmias (rhythms disorder), Angina (chest pain) and disorder arising from decreased circulation of blood. Figure 1: Chemical Structure IUPAC Name:2-[4-[2-hydroxy-3-(propan-2-ylamino) propoxy] phenyl] acetamide Figure 2: Proposed Two-Step Synthesis route for Atenolol The stereochemistry is important for any molecules. In atenolol (S) isomer is important for its activity the opposite (R) enantiomer may be responsible for the side effects. There have been considerable efforts done in the preparation of enantiomerically pure(S) confirmation Synthesis of Atenolol based derivatives for Structure-Activity Relationship Studies (SARS) and their pharmacokinetics profile On the basis of the importance of prodrug (mention above part) our aim is to synthesize the prodrug for its better mode of action and their structure activity relationship and their pharmacokinetics profile. 4B.RESEARCH PLAN/ METHODOLOGY: SCHEDULE/PHASING Establishment of Organic Synthesis Facilities: In the starting 1st months of this project all the basic and reaction requirement apparatus and glassware will be installing. Efficient Synthesis of SECNIDAZOLE: After initialization, the starting 3 months will be utilized on the proposed and modified efficient synthesis of Secnidazole to get the maximum yield of required API at minimum cost. Synthesis of SECNIDAZOLE based derivatives for SARS: In the 5th and 6th month modification on the molecule of Secnidazole will be applied and study their pharmacokinetics profile Synthesis of ATENOLOL: In the period of 7th to 9th month of the project efficient synthesis of atenolol will be done Synthesis of ATENOLOL based derivatives for SARS: In the period of 10th to 11th month of the project timeline, derivatization of atenolol will be carried out and studied their pharmacokinetics profile Summarize results and expand to new project: At the end month of this project timeline a final project report will be submitted along with findings. Also discuss the achievements and problems faced during this project. 4c) References Secnidazole (Part: A) Larina, Lyudmila, and Valentin Lopyrev.Nitroazoles: synthesis, structure and applications. New York: Springer, 2009. Crozet, Maxime D., Cà ©line Botta, Monique Gasquet, Christophe Curti, Vincent Rà ©musat, Sà ©bastien Hutter, Olivier Chapelle, Nadine Azas, Michel De Mà ©o, and Patrice Vanelle. Lowering of 5-nitroimidazoles mutagenicity: towards optimal antiparasitic pharmacophore.European journal of medicinal chemistry44, no. 2 (2009): 653-659 Wang, She-Feng, Yong Yin, Fang Qiao, Xun Wu, Shao Sha, Li Zhang, and Hai-Liang Zhu. Synthesis, molecular docking and biological evaluation of metronidazole derivatives containing piperazine skeleton as potential antibacterial agents.Bioorganic medicinal chemistry22, no. 8 (2014): 2409-2415. Samanta, Himadri Sekhar, and Samit Kumar Ray. Controlled release of tinidazole and theophylline from chitosan based composite hydrogels.Carbohydrate polymers106 (2014): 109-120. Elias, P. cureforneedy.com 2009, 1-11. Shahid, Hafiz Abdullah, Ejaz Hussain, Sajid Jahangir, and Sammer Yousuf. 1-(2-Methyl-5-nitro-1H-imidazol-1-yl) propan-2-yl acetate.Acta Crystallographica Section E: Structure Reports Online70, no. 3 (2014): o294-o294. Atenolol (Part: B) Chaudhari, Vilas, Syed Hussain, and Milind Ubale. International Journal of Chemical Studies. Kitaori, Kazuhiro, Yoshikazu TAKEHIRA, Yoshiro FURUKAWA, Hiroshi YOSHIMOTO, and Junzo OTERA. A practical synthesis of optically active atenolol from chiral epichlorohydrin.Chemical and pharmaceutical bulletin45, no. 2 (1997): 412-414. Darnle, Subhash V., Prashant N. Patil, and Manikrao M. Salunkhe. Chemoenzymatic synthesis of (R)-and (S)-atenolol and propranolol employing lipase catalyzed enantioselective esterification and hydrolysis.Synthetic communications29, no. 22 (1999): 3855-3862 IMPACT OF PROPOSED RESEARCH The impact of this project will boost up the economy of Pakistan and will decrease the import bill of Pakistan and also increases the exportation. The project also aims to train the man power and create the skillful hand that can provide the better solution to our local industry. This project also creates the networking between the local industry and researcher. This project also contributes in the providing of the medicine to common people at minimum cost. Estimated Budget For The Proposed Research Period: DESCRIPTION PER YEAR Amount (in million Rs) A. Salaries and Honorarium PI: One Month/Year of Basic Pay @ 104000 0.104 (208000) Student Ships @ 20,000.00 per month (two) 480000 0.48 (480000) Secretariat Staff Part-time Lab Attendant @ 1500 PM 18000 0.018 (18000) Subtotal: (A) 602000 0.602 (602000) B. Permanent Equipment General purpose fume hood @ Pkr 150,000/= (two) 300000 0.600 (600000) The rotary evaporator  ® r 3 focuses and accessories @ Pkr 1500000 1500000 1.500 (1500000) Jacketed reaction apparatus @ Pkr 169650/= (one) 169650 0.1695 (169650) Glassware, hotplates, stirrer, etc. 250000 0.250 (250000) Laptop (dell core 2i) 50000 0.050 (50000) General lab update i.e. Ups and power supply solutions 250000 0.250 (250000) Mas II: microwave synthesis system @ $8000/= (one) 800000 0.800 (800000) Subtotal: (B) 3319650 3.319650 (3319650) C. Expendable Supplies Chemicals and solvents 300000 0.300 (300000) General lab expenditures 100000 0.100 (100000) Spectroscopy techniques 250000 0.250 (250000) Subtotal: (C) 650000 0.65 (650000) D. Others (Literature, documentation, information, online literature search, contingencies, postage, Local Travel Miscellaneous etc). Journal Publication Fee / Online Material (up to Rs.50,000) 50000 0.050 (50000) Stationary/Contingency (10,000/- per year) 10000 0.010 (10000) Participation in local conferences, workshops and winter summer schools by PI and students 10000 0.010 (10000) Audit Fee (Max. Rs 10,000) 10000 0.010 (10000) Accountant Fee (Max. Rs. 10,000) 10000 0.010 (10000) Subtotal: (D) 90000 0.090 (90000) Grand Total (A + B + C + D): 4661650 4.661650 (4661650) JUSTIFICATION Salaries Allowances Two Studentships @ 20,000.00 per month (PM): It is very necessary that at least two full time studentships available to students so that students can perform their work with piece of mind so that they have no need to sort part time jobs to meet their day to day expense Part-time Lab Attendant @ 1500 PM: During period of project operations different kind of tasks are assigned to Lab Attendant in addition to their normal job responsibilities. Therefore it is justified to compensate their work with an honorarium. Permanent Equipment: The Rotary Evaporator and accessories (one): Many organic reactions are in liquid phase and require much more time to evaporate on room temperature that’s why to save time and fast reaction process need rotary evaporator. General Purpose Fume Hood: As many organic reaction, chemicals and solvents are hazardous to human health. For safety and precautionary step need two fuming hoods Jacketed Reaction Apparatus: It is the temperature control apparatus. As many reaction are temperature dependent and monitor through varying temperature. to make reaction efficient we need jacketed reaction apparatus Glassware, Hotplates, Stirrer, refwork etc: These are the basics requirement for organic synthesis as well as we have shortage of these basics needs that’s why we need these General lab updates i.e. UPS and Power Supply solutions: Regular breakdown of power supply has resulted in the failure of organic reactions as well as damage of electronic appliances. Therefore a need to establish backup of power supply. Expendable supplies Chemicals and solvents: These play key role in all reaction either organic or inorganic and no one can performed reaction without this so these funding are fully justified General Lab Expenditures: these are the basic need for researcher to meet day to day expenses Participation in local conferences, workshops and winter/summer schools by PI and students: These funding are required to communicate our work on national and international level. Also learn gain information from their experience

An Explication of Sylvia Plath8217s 8220Daddy8221 Essay -- essays pape

An Explication of Sylvia Plath8217s 8220Daddy8221 It tends to be the trend for women who have had traumatic childhoods to be attracted to men who epitomize their emptiness felt as children. Women who have had unaffectionate or absent fathers, adulterous husbands or boyfriends, or relatives who molested them seem to become involved in relationships with men who, instead of being the opposite of the â€Å"monsters† in their lives, are the exact replicas of these ugly men. Sylvia Plath’s poem â€Å"Daddy† is a perfect example of this unfortunate trend. In this poem, she speaks directly to her dead father and her husband who has been cheating on her, as the poem so indicates. The first two stanzas, lines 1-10, tell the readers that Plath, for thirty years, has been afraid of her father, so scared that she dares not to â€Å"breathe or Achoo.† She has been living in fear, although she announces that he’s already dead. It is obvious that she believes that her father continues to control her life from the grave. She says that she â€Å"has had to kill† him, but he’s already dead, indicating her initial promise to forget him. She calls him a â€Å"bag full of God,† telling us that she considers her father a very strong, omnipotent being, someone who is superior in her eyes. In the middle of the poem, she begins to refer to herself as a Jew, and her father the German, who began â€Å"chuffing me off like a Jew†¦to Dachau, Auschwitz, Belson.† What Plath’s intent here is to allow us to understand that her father was a German, and she relates his behavior as a person to a Nazi. But later, she becomes more enraged, and strips the title of God from her father, and labels him a swastika and a brute. â€Å"Every woman adores a Fascist† is Plath’s way of ... ...r husband were monsters in her life, destroying her, but that she has just noticed. â€Å"Daddy, daddy, you bastard, I’m through† is the last line in the poem. It is not until the end that we realize that not only is she through with the memories of her dead father and the adulterous behavior of her husband, but she is through with herself. This last line is clear – Plath has just announced to her readers that she will be committing suicide again, and plans on being successful at it. So, instead of this poem being Plath’s victorious confession to the horrible men in her life, and finally allowing closure, the poem is an outline of her promising death. Plath is still pained by these men, and cannot completely go on being alive. She believes that death is her only solution, and maybe in a way it was. Perhaps she is finally free, and finally able to â€Å"breath† and â€Å"Achoo.†

Corporate Social Responsibility Essay

In general, Corporate Social Responsibility can be described as an approach by which a company: * recognises that its activities have a wider impact on the society in which it operates and that developments in society in turn impact on its ability to pursue its business successfully. * actively manages the economic, social, environmental and human rights impact of its activities across the world, basing these on principles which reflect international values, reaping benefits both for its own operations and reputation as well as for the communities in which it operates. * seeks to achieve these benefits by working closely with other groups and organisations – local communities, civil society, other businesses and home and host governments. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has been a critical part of the Sunway Group for the past three decades. Sunway Group company is one that instils and celebrates the culture of giving to society. The Group recognises the significance of developing and harnessing human capital excellence in driving the development and growth of the company, the community and our country. Winning the Anugerah PMCSR is a form of encouragement for The Group as it has truly brought CSR to an entirely new level. Sunway Group also has been recognised for outstanding achievements in CSR. The Sunway Group’s CSR programmes are wide-spread and aim to protect and promote human capital excellence above and beyond the company. In enhancing human capital excellence through education, if I the director of Sunway Group, I would implement the programmes which is: * Raising the level and standards of education in the country * Providing for the less fortunate members of the community. * Growing a healthy and sustainable knowledge-based workforce in Malaysia. The corporate social responsibility that Sunway Group provided are : 1) The Jeffrey Cheah Foundation The Sunway Education Trust Fund was established in March 1997 for the purpose of managing and administering surpluses from the institutions for the benefit of students be it for reinvestment into the institutions or for the disimbursement of scholarships and research grants. The Jeffrey Cheah Foundation was formed to perpetuate and crystallise the vision of a credible vehicle that will serve the cause of bringing good and quality education to the nation. Shares are transferred under the Sunway Education Trust into this Foundation where they will be held for perpetuity and can never be sold. Total profits from the Sunway University College and 70% of the profits from the Monash University Sunway Campus are ploughed back into activities to deliver higher quality education, to grow research capabilities and for the upgrading of facilities. From January to June 2010, more than RM4 million worth of scholarships were given out. 2) The Public School Adoption & Restoration Programme The Sunway Group has contributed to primary and secondary-level education schools over the last few years. Some of these projects have involved direct and active participation in restoration works, where the Group has dedicated consultancy, labour and construction resources into the refurbishment projects. In recent years, about RM3 million was contributed to schools such as SMK Bandar Sunway, SCK Chee Wen, SMK Klang Convent, the Gunung Hijau Primary School, SRK Bandar Sunway and SMJK Yuk Choy, Ipoh. To date, total contributions to public schools add up to RM10 million. 3) The Job Placement Programme Recognising that every person deserves a chance to feel a sense of belonging and purpose in society, the Sunway Group runs a Job Placement Programme endorsed by the Ministry of Education, Malaysia. Special needs students from the Sunway sponsored SMK Bandar Sunway are trained on basic work-related skills and ethics. Upon graduating, these students are presented with certificates of accomplishment to seek employment, where they are able to progress as independent members of society’s workforce. To date, the five-year old programme has helped a total of 58 special needs students. In 2010, the fifth batch of 10 students commenced their job placement at Sunway’s subsidiaries starting March 2010, and two were hired under the year’s Job Placement programme. 4) CSR Bowling Besides fostering education and life skills from an intellectual perspective, Sunway also embarks on education and skills in the physical sporting arena. This programme is for those aged between 14 and 22, and endeavours to train participants in the physical recreational sport of bowling Bowling training consists of one hour per week at the Sunway Pyramid Bowl for a total consecutive duration of 23 sessions. There are about 30 students in this programme who attended the Bowling Tournament 2010 on 21st September. To date the Sunway Group has trained about 150 special students. 5) The New Straits Times (NST) School Sponsorship Programme The programme was launched in August 2005 with the aim of bridging the urban-rural gap among the student population with regards to English language acquisition, information access and skills development. The group identified seven schools under Sunway’s CSR programme to receive complimentary copies of the NST everyday for one year commencing May 2010. The identified schools are SJK (C) Gunung Hijau, SMK Bandar Sunway, SRK Bandar Sunway, SMK Convent Klang, SRK Convent Klang, SJK (C) Chee Wen, Subang and SMK Tambun, Ipoh. Other CSR initiatives undertaken by the Sunway Group include the Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah Distinguished Speaker Series and the Sunway Medical Centre Public Health Forums. The Sunway Group reaches out to people at different levels of society through its CSR activities and aims to enhance the learning experience in the classroom and beyond. The Group hopes to improve the standard of education, quality of life and ultimately leave a positive change in turning Malays ia into a high-income nation.

Native Americans in the United States and African American Cowboys

Tenzin Dolkar APUSH, DAY-2-2 TO WHOM AND TO WHAT EXTENT WAS THE AMERICAN WEST A LAND OF OPPORTUNITY 1865 – 1890 During the year of 1865 to 1890, the American’s west land was a land of economic development for Native American, white settlers from the east across the Mississippi farmers, miners, ranchers and as well as African American cowboys and immigrants for Irish and Chines, moving west for goal of economic achievement and their position for profit.First, the Native Americans people opened the way of exploitation of the west land naturel environment. The Dawes Act, which turned Indians into landowners and farmers and distributed 160 acres for farming, designed Indians as individual rather than a group of tribes. The railroad made their trip easier, which Pacific Railroad Act was passed in 186, law allowed construction of new transportation systems.The Act also provided grants of land and limited jobs for immigrants’ worker on railroad, especially Chines immigr ants worked for a lower wage and discovered millions of gold and silvers. The immigrants worked for a wealthy white settler in the west. Moreover, the railroad opened faster access for transportation for castles, miners and all the peoples, who were making money. Including the Homestead Act was passed; its offered 160 acres of land for any settlers live on the land for five or more years with little registration fees.It helped poor people to achieve economic business and farmers who needed more land, were permitted to purchase of up to 160 acres of land for $2. 50. The farmers took advantage of Westland by doing international market, which mostly depended on railroads for shipment. Even farmers had difficulties of weather conditions, the produced the agricultural business by the Bonanza farm. The farmers were hopes to getting rich soon.Together with the African American cowboys and cattle industry turned into a new marker as well. Because of Indians on to new reservation and the rai lroad opportunities bring them easier transportation anywhere in urban markets; without the railroads the new business were take a time to make money . In brief, west land was a place of a new beginning for people who were moving for seeking life and opportunities and hoping to get rich. The wealthy white settlers made the most profit in Westland.

buy custom The Impact of The Spanish and Portuguese Colonization essay

buy custom The Impact of The Spanish and Portuguese Colonization essay Spaniards great voyages of exploration led them to be the first colonizers of America. The Spaniards first settlement in Americas was at Santo Domingo in West Indies in 1496. This was after Columbus second voyage by his brother, Bartholomew. Within the next twenty years following the initial settlement, the Spaniards had conquered most of Central America, which acted as the bases for the conquest of the rest of Americas. Later on in 1518, Hernando Cortes left Cuba with 600 men, 17 horses, and 10 guns for Aztec empire in Mexico. In three years, the Aztec empire fell and led to establishment of the Spanish rule in central Mexico. In 1531, Francisco Pissarro obtained royal consent for expedition and left for Peru with180 men, 27 horses and 2 guns. By 1536, he was in control of the country. Its in Mexico that the Spaniards explored North America, though colonization didnt start here until 17th century. From Peru, they advanced to the Bolivian plateau and southwards towards Chile. By the end of the 16th century, the whole area from New Mexico and Florida in the North and to Chile and the Rio de la Plata in the south was under Spanish rule apart from Brazil. The first interest on Brazil by Portugal was inspired by the 1520s menace of the French encroachment. In 1530, Portugal sent Martin de Souza as a leader of colonizing expedition. Spanish conquest of the new worlds was driven by the gold, glory and gospel (the three Gs). In 1531, Portuguese made the first attempt at colonizing Brazil by sending five ships and several hundred colonists to Brazil under the command of Matin de Sousa. The colony was first planted on a little island of Sao Vicente, close to the present Santos. Here, they welcomed Ramalho and his family and subsequent colonies were established in quick succession. The main reason for Portugal interest in Brazil was sugar. Although the Portuguese law prohibited enslavement of Indians the colonists paid little heed and started the enslavement of the native as well as the importation of the Negroes from the Guinea coast. After a few years from the start of colonization, Brazil became the chief world supplier of sugar.The discovery of gold in Sao Paulo threatened to depopulate the settlements along the coast. Even Portugal sent gold seekers in large numbers. The military incursion and takeover of the Americas was followed closely by the spiritual change. The new religion from the west in the form of saints of the old world were introduced and imposed on the new colonies. This was followed by tremendous change. Christians recorded and circulated the Holy Scripture both orally and in written texts. The fifteenth advent of the printing press enhanced the popularity and the spread of these literally genre, sacred history and didactic guide for behaviors. The relation between the Spanish and Indian cultures was described as converging. In 1549, king of Portugal sailed to his new American colonies with three hundred and twenty officials, three hundred convict colonists and six Jesuits with the instructions of building a strong city t Bahia which was to become the seat of the government. After the establishment of their presence on the new land, the problem to effectively legislate and administer their new possessions arose. This also included the need to compile the ethnographical information of hundreds of different indigenous people. This led to chartering of the contratacion and the sea in 1503 by Ferdinand and Isabella. Its mandate was to manage private commerce and royal monopolies in the new world. This led to radical changes in the discipline of cosmography of addressing and adequately describing flora and fauna of the new world. This involved the exhaustive exercise of compilation and erudition which was to place the new world within the web of symbol and classical correspondence that was the Europeans understanding of the world. Also, the new cosmographers had to update the information of the new discoveries continually into the overall world picture. This led to the new routes in to Indies being officially endorsed. The new nautical chart, also known pardo n real (royal ratter).With time these cosmographers could determine the longitudinal location of a given location with precision. In addition, new instruments were discovered which made the Pacific Ocean and the general navigation easier. These instruments simplified the astronomical and mathematical computations that were necessary for determining the location at high seas. The arrival of the Spaniards and Portuguese in the new land brought with it new diseases in which the native Indians had no inbuilt immunity e.g. measles, smallpox, cholera and pneumonia.This led to massive revolution in the field of medicine. Recent literature brings to light how the new diseases introduced by the Europeans led to birth of a branch of medicine, (colonial medicine).The great limitation of receiving medicine from the west led to frequent exchanges and subsequent working together of Europeans, indigenous and African cultures. There was a change of the native Indians culture with the entrance of the colonizers. For example, the natives were present oriented while the colonizers were future oriented. For the natives, time was relative and they used seasons to keep track of time. On the other hand, the Europeans colonizers were time conscious and specific time was set aside for specific tasks. The indigenous were more oriented on giving while the Europeans were more about saving for tomorrow. For the natives, cooperation was the order of the day, but for the colonizers competition was the most important thing in mind. The Natives were in harmony with the nature and didnt try to change it. On the other hand, their Europeans counterparts believed on the conquest over nature and that people should modify their environment to make it more comfortable for their habitation. This great difference in their cultures had a greaat impact on the Native American people, some of whom changed and oriented their culture tow ards the European way of life while others, who wanted to preserve their culture, moved to areas unwanted by Europeans. Spaniards came with them paintings and pieces of furniture from Europe and typically tried to reproduce their fashions in their new territory. The arrival of the Spaniards and Portuguese led to massive migration as the lands were taken over. The different tribes which previously lived peacefully were forced to compete for food and this led to subsequent wars. Many tribes gave up farming and became nomadic pastoralist following the buffalo herds as they migrated between the plains. In addition, new crops were introduced in Latin America. Both maize and potatoes were introduced during Spanish colonization. They are staple foods today in most parts of Latin America. The Americas colonization also led to the widespread exportation of the indigenous knowledge of the Africans, Asians and Native Americans. During the Spanish rule, the Spanish dug countless sources of archives and curiosities and shipped it to Spain. The researchers claim that this was meant to deny any potential imperial rivals the much needed information about the loosely held frontiers. The Brooklyn exhibit organized by Diana Fane, Sarah Faunce and Kevin Staton, which concentrated on social implication of colonial arts-examining how both Spanish and the Indians struggled to find an identity, which honored their respective pasts and at the same time reflecting on their present, exhibited more than three hundred (300) works ranging from paintings, sculptures, textiles and religious objects. Most of these were from the Spanish viceroyalties of New Spain (1535-1821) and Peru (1542-1824), of which corresponded roughly to the geographic boundaries of the Aztec and Inca empires.It is in America that the new systems of governance were set which was in many respects the most advanced system of colonial control. In conclusion, the entrance and colonization of the Americas by the Spaniards and Portuguese caused more harm than good as indicated in most scholarly work available. Although it improved trade between the Portuguese, Brazil and the rest of the world, it led to increased importation of Negroes as slaves. According to these sources, Portuguese government from Brazil was not less than $ 10,000.000. Also, its estimated that at the end of the Portuguese Brazil there was about 1,500,000 Negro slaves. Buy custom The Impact of The Spanish and Portuguese Colonization essay

Software Engineering Essay

Software Engineering Essay Software Engineering Essay ORACLE ADF tutorial: Open a new application workspace. [pic] Change the application template to Web Application (Default).This allows us to specify the technology used in the application to simplify and personalize the environment according to the technology preferences. [pic] [pic] Open a Business Component diagram. [pic] [pic] Establish a connection to the Database and then select any two tables. In this case I have selected Departments and Employees tables. [pic] Drag and drop of database tables onto a UML diagram can be used to create different types of objects with the same user experience. [pic] This will generate the business component diagram with the relationships indicated in it. Select all and then right click. [pic] Now select Default Data Model Components which are business components that collect data and present it to the client. [pic] [pic] [pic] [pic] [pic] [pic] Open page flow editor which allows you to visually and declaratively define the flow of application. This can also be done by right clicking on the ViewController. Drag and drop a Data Page from the component palette onto the screen. [pic] Double click on the DataPage1 and then select dataPage1.uix to open a new UIX page. [pic] [pic] Now open the data controls and double click on AppDataModuleControl and do the following steps. All previously created business services are exposed in the Data Control

How to Compare Two Novels in Comparative Essay

How to Compare Two Novels in Comparative Essay At some point in your literature studies, probably just about the time you get really good at finding the theme of a novel and coming up with a sound analysis of a single literary piece, you will be required to compare two novels. Your first task in this assignment will be to develop a good profile of both novels. You can do this by making a few simple lists of traits that might be comparable. For each novel, identify a list of characters and their roles in the story or important characteristics, and any important struggles, time periods, or major symbols (like an element of nature). You may also attempt to come up with book themes that could be comparable. Sample themes would include: Man versus nature (is each main character battling the elements?)Individual versus society (does each main character feel like an outsider?)Struggle between good and evil (are your characters involved in good v. evil scenarios?)Coming of age (do the main characters experience a tough lesson that makes them grow?) Your assignment will most likely give you direction as to whether you should find specific characters, story characteristics, or overall themes to compare. If it is not that specific, dont worry! You actually have a little more leeway. Comparing Two Novel Themes The teachers goal when assigning this paper is to encourage you to think and analyze. You no longer read for a surface understanding of what happens in a novel; you are reading to understand why things happen and what the deeper meaning  behind a character is a setting or an event. In short, you are expected to come up with an interesting comparative analysis. As an example of comparing novel themes, we will look at The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Red Badge of Courage. Both of these novels contain a coming of age theme since both have characters who grow a new awareness through tough lessons. Some comparisons you could make: Both characters have to explore the notion of civilized behavior in the societies where they exist.Each main character has to question the behavior of his male role models and his male peers.Each main character leaves his childhood home and encounters challenges. To craft an essay about these two novels and their similar themes, you would create your own list of similarities like those above, using a list, chart, or a Venn diagram. Sum up your overall theory about how these themes are comparable to create your thesis statement. Here is an example:​Both characters, Huck Finn and Henry Fleming, embark on a journey of discovery, and each boy finds new understanding when it comes to traditional notions about honor and courage. You will use your common characteristic list to guide you as you create body paragraphs. Comparing Main Characters in Novels If your assignment is to compare the characters of these novels, you would make a list or Venn diagram to make more comparisons: Both characters are young menBoth question societys notion of honorBoth witness behavior that makes them question their role modelsBoth have a nurturing female influenceBoth question their former beliefs Comparing two novels is not as difficult as it sounds at first. Once you generate a list of traits, you can easily see an outline emerging.

Is Mass Surveillance Ever a Good Thing Research Paper

Is Mass Surveillance Ever a Good Thing - Research Paper Example The benefit of mass surveillance exceeds its negative. The research will focus on mass surveillance and outline its impact on both the government and the citizens. According to Reuters (2013), mass surveillance can be traced back to the First World War were vital information was sourced from both the enemy territory and within a given country. This was to assist the country achieve a given objective in the war. The cold war period increase and the importance of mass surveillance with its aim being monitoring activities that could expose countries secrete policy. Traditionally mass surveillance was used as a tool to counter any move by an enemy country. Traditional ideologies used the concept to attain military and political supremacy. Over the years, technologies have evolved and gadgets that are more sophisticated introduced to aid a given country in mass surveillance. Surveillance has become a modality in modern day government (Ericson & Haggerty, 2006, 4). The ideology is traced back to the world war eras and the aim is to ensure a country protects its own interests. Sovereignty of a nation could be jeopardized if a country fails to gather enough information needed to protect the interest of a given nation. The United States of America has invested heavy in mass surveillance. The driving point has been on the 2001 attack’s impact. The question has been on how to avert future calamities similar to it. New models have aided the country in their quest to counter terrorism. Bush (2006) attributes the effect of mass surveillance to national security. Different security organs relay on public information to ensure a successful plan that would protect national interests and at the same time secure a country from external attacks (Fussey, 121). Strategic planning involves designing models that would prevent an attack and at the same time source information that

Solve case studies Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Solve studies - Case Study Example The qualities Google possesses; creativity, passion, taking risks, self-motivation, and self-management successfully attract the best talent around. This culture of controlled chaos is maintainable, although it may suffer if Google’s management begins to prioritize profits in the long term over innovation by being too rigid. Without a hierarchy, Google maintains teamwork and coordination across its engineering, marketing, product management, operations, and sales divisions (Marion, 2013). However, with increasing employee numbers and the hiring of mid-level managers, it is possible that they could suffer from international inconsistency, lack of visibility, delayed decision-making and increased bureaucracy. Bureaucracy is one threat to the maintenance of the organized chaos culture. As Google continues to grow and expand, they may have to come up with new guidelines and policies for the management of their employees, which could hurt innovation (Marion, 2013). Bureaucracy may increase if the diverse employee base does not comply with the vision and mission at Google. For this reason, they may have to control these elements via new policies and procedures, which could impact on other groups’ agility. Internal tools and meetings could become impossible to carry out as the geographical locations become more diverse and unfeasible. Decision-making may also be affected as the employee base increases, especially given the unfeasibility of consensus and open discussion. They could also lose the ability to oppose decisions, take risks, and critique the decisions (Marion, 2013). Achieving cross-functional decisions may prove harder, while they may also stall the mechanism of innovation. The culture of organized chaos may also lead to decreased visibility as workers spending a fifth of their working hours on project ideas may lead to role duplication. Reinvention of the wheel, productive time loss, and replication of effort may lead to decreased visibility due to the difficulty of maintaining an employee base that is multi-cultural (Marion, 2013). A growing and expanding employee base makes it more difficult to establish visibility. Finally, Google could suffer from decreasing international consistency as it becomes harder to attract and retain talent at locations across the world. Exporting their culture to other locations and implanting it may clash with local perceptions, tastes, and cultures. In the international context, it will become more difficult for Google to balance cultural homogeneity and diversity (Marion, 2013). These aspects are the threats to the maintenance of Google’s culture of organized chaos. However, their current organized chaos culture suits their innovative nature with the generation of ideas. Google’s founders are still committed to the fostering of an innovative culture in the company. However, while their culture works well in the attraction of talent, they may find it harder to pursue with r egards to demand and supply market dynamics (Marion, 2013). As long as Google is able to maintain collaboration, competence, control, and cultivation of values for customer enrichment, business diversification may not hurt their organized chaos culture and the innovation it breeds. They also need to diffuse their current structure of governance, organizational processes, and culture of innovation to new areas of acquisition, while also adapting to change in

Various Aspects of Life of the Oromo People Research Paper

Various Aspects of Life of the Oromo People - Research Paper Example However, as distinguishing factors, African communities have different cultural practices and beliefs. According to Freund2, societal beliefs and practices, which define each community, are used to distinguish various African communities. Traditional practices and beliefs are, thus, used to describe each ethnic community. Inhabitation of various parts of Africa mainly depended on geographical factors, such as accessibility, topography, and nature of a place at different weather conditions. Even though each African community was and is still distinguishable from other communities, certain issues, nevertheless, brought the communities together. Examples of the factors include economic, social, and religious accords among various communities. According to Freund3, most African communities have not only settled in Africa, but also inhabit other continents. Example of such communities is the Oromo people. The community has the highest population in Africa and considerable numbers in Ameri ca and Saudi Arabia. Therefore, while discussing the community, focus is directed to Africa. This paper explores the Oromo community. Background of the Community The name â€Å"Oromo† means â€Å"the powerful.† Triulzi4 informs that several suggestions attempt to explain origin of the name. One postulate argues that the name is associated with the river Oromiffa. Levine (Greater Ethiopia, 45) also claims that the name was coined from â€Å"qaala laa† an Arabic word. Galla is another name used to refer to the community. The term â€Å"Galla† is used mostly by Amhara to refer the community. Abyssinians, on the other hand, use derogatory characteristics to describe the group5. The offensive names, which include â€Å"pagan,† â€Å"slave,† â€Å"uncivilized,† or uncultured, are meant to generate inferiority complex within the community. Members of the community, however, insisted on the name â€Å"Oromo† because it described the st rength or self-defense of the community. Oromo community is a member of Cushitic-speaking individuals. The native language of the community is Oromo. The language is part of an Afro-Asiatic language family. The community is estimated to have a population of 30 million members. In Africa, the community is largely found in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia. In Ethiopia, census carried in 2007 revealed that 34.49 percent of the entire population of the country was Oromoota. Records indicate that the Oromo occupy eastern and north-eastern Africa. Migration and Demographic Information Mohammed6 asserts that Oromo community is an ancient group in Africa. The author claims that physical features, language, culture, and various other aspects of life conform to traditions of African societies, with slight variations. Ethiopia, which is the main settlement region for the community, has an approximate of 74 ethnically diverse language groups7. Because population of the country is majorly the Oromo, individuals of the community significantly contribute to development of the country in various capacities. Based on the report published by United Nations Population Fund, about 95 % are settled agriculturalists.

Red Sorghum by Zhang Yimou Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Red Sorghum by Zhang Yimou - Essay Example 2. The cultural significance of femininity in China is highlighted in the article. The idea of the feminine becomes one that is in controversy because of the several clashing belief systems of the film. The Confucian ethics and Buddhist traditions first define the feminine of China in one specific way. This is combined with the class structure that is a part of the feminine, which is defined by the expectations of Chinese culture. The Chinese culture is defined first by the history and memory that defines the feminine into the yin and yang roles. The mythical elements are defined by this as well, which creates different feminine roles that are within the culture. After the traditional roles are defined, the movie moves into ideas of the feminine through the different belief systems in the culture. The movie specifically defines the idea of yin and yang as a part of the cosmic order, which is a part of the traditional roles and the feminine. The controversy is created with this by defining the clash of culture and how it changes between different memories, times and cultural meaning in China. The idea of the feminine, from a cultural context, is based on spiritual meanings that come from history and memory and which are passed down between different generations. In the movie, there is a conflict with the cultural significance of the feminine with the definitions of the feminine becoming controversial with the memories, history and social implications. 3. The idea of the Bakhtinian carnival is one that shows the basic needs of the community and culture. The carnival is represented as an idea of basic needs that humans have, including food, water and shelter. The carnival moves from this to a celebration of the basic human needs that are a part of life in China. The appearance of the carnival and the way that it relates to the culture is one that depicts the basic culture, expressions and acceptance that is a part of

Education In Texas Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Education In Texas - Essay Example However, due to the enforcement of accountability system has successfully created various educational changes in the state. As a result, a clear improvement has been observed in high-poverty schools with a gradual increase in students’ academic achievements. The paper critically analyzes different reforms and evolution of public education in Texas over the years in a detailed manner, which was implemented to meet the needs of state’s diverse population. These educational reforms revolve around the improvement of the State’s educational goals, to promote accountability in order to attain achievements by the students and to improve the efficiency of public schools. Background of Public School Education in Texas: Education in Texas holds an eminent position. People in Texas are highly concerned about the education of their children. The Texas Declaration of Independence (1836) has pointed out the many errors committed by the Mexican government in establishing a uniform educational policy within the state. For the first time in 1840, the very first Anglo-American public school law was enforced in Texas which was aimed to support public school in each county. Soon after the law was passed, another step was taken by the state government in 1845. In the state constitution of 1845, it has been mentioned that the state government would give away one-tenth of the annual state tax revenue in the support and development of the public schools. During the same year, another school law was enforced by the state government. ... Public education in Texas has remained in continuous evolution. It faced another change after the Civil war and Reconstruction, when the new constitution of the new state in 1876, granted 45 million acres of public land in the support of public schools and passed the instructions that the revenue generated from the new Permanent School Fund would be put in bonds. However, again in 1884, the law for public school was rewritten. Many amendments were made in the Permanent School Funds Program (Source: TEA). The Current Situation of Public School Education in Texas: Recently, different laws have been introduced in the state which gave liberty to all and every city and town to develop and administer their own schools. As a result, different independent schools in various districts have been established. During 1900, there were 526 districts in which the high schools were given the primary status in public school education. But recently, it has been estimated that there are around 1039 ind ependent schools in Texas State. In 1911, another law was passed for the betterment and development of the rural high school education. This law revolved around giving support to the teachers by the state in their salaries and expansion of rural schools in the districts (Gene Preuss). With the passage of time, a remarkable improvement in the education was observed. However in late 1939, the first-term Texan Governor W. Lee O’ Daniel highlighted many problems that were faced by the public schools especially in rural areas. He termed those problems as, â€Å"inequalities of opportunities in public school system (Gene Preuss).† According to his studies and research, rural schools were faced with

Reading Journal Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Reading Journal - Coursework Example the chapters (Chapter 13) in the book it has been told that the early 17th and mid 20th centuries have been very favorable for Europe as it has dominated majority of the world (Kagan, Ozment and Turner 322). The entire European rule has been discussed in a detailed and effective manner through which I have been able to learn a lot about what exactly happened during these centuries and how United Kingdom, France, Austria, United Provinces of Netherlands etc. used to rule other parts of Europe. It has been possible through the readings that I learnt about the condition of France after Louis XIV (Kagan, Ozment and Turner 334). Previously, I was not very well aware of the Ptolemaic System and the Cultures during the 16th and 17th Century, however, after reading chapter 14 I was quite informed about the system, norms and cultures (Kagan, Ozment and Turner 349). Although I do not know anything about the system and the culture as I have not lived in it but it was due to the excess of information and the detailed sub-parts that I am able to understand scientific societies and how their systems actually worked (Kagan, Ozment and Turner 355). Economy is also an important aspect of any society or country. Since, Europe has a dominating role during the 18th century therefore its economy must have been strong and stable. From the Varieties of Aristocratic Privileges to French Nobility and Family structures and Family economy, all have been discussed in this chapter and has helped me in improving my knowledge regarding the subject (Kagan, Ozment and Turner 373). Similarly, the second chapter â€Å"‘I am the State’: The Development of Absolutism in England and France† has equally helped me expanding my knowledge regarding the development of Absolutism in the two countries (Rogers 25). Furthermore, subjects like Scientific Revolution have never been of such interest. This is due to the fact that author has successfully elaborated each and every detail in the book along

Education In Texas Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Education In Texas - Essay Example However, due to the enforcement of accountability system has successfully created various educational changes in the state. As a result, a clear improvement has been observed in high-poverty schools with a gradual increase in students’ academic achievements. The paper critically analyzes different reforms and evolution of public education in Texas over the years in a detailed manner, which was implemented to meet the needs of state’s diverse population. These educational reforms revolve around the improvement of the State’s educational goals, to promote accountability in order to attain achievements by the students and to improve the efficiency of public schools. Background of Public School Education in Texas: Education in Texas holds an eminent position. People in Texas are highly concerned about the education of their children. The Texas Declaration of Independence (1836) has pointed out the many errors committed by the Mexican government in establishing a uniform educational policy within the state. For the first time in 1840, the very first Anglo-American public school law was enforced in Texas which was aimed to support public school in each county. Soon after the law was passed, another step was taken by the state government in 1845. In the state constitution of 1845, it has been mentioned that the state government would give away one-tenth of the annual state tax revenue in the support and development of the public schools. During the same year, another school law was enforced by the state government. ... Public education in Texas has remained in continuous evolution. It faced another change after the Civil war and Reconstruction, when the new constitution of the new state in 1876, granted 45 million acres of public land in the support of public schools and passed the instructions that the revenue generated from the new Permanent School Fund would be put in bonds. However, again in 1884, the law for public school was rewritten. Many amendments were made in the Permanent School Funds Program (Source: TEA). The Current Situation of Public School Education in Texas: Recently, different laws have been introduced in the state which gave liberty to all and every city and town to develop and administer their own schools. As a result, different independent schools in various districts have been established. During 1900, there were 526 districts in which the high schools were given the primary status in public school education. But recently, it has been estimated that there are around 1039 ind ependent schools in Texas State. In 1911, another law was passed for the betterment and development of the rural high school education. This law revolved around giving support to the teachers by the state in their salaries and expansion of rural schools in the districts (Gene Preuss). With the passage of time, a remarkable improvement in the education was observed. However in late 1939, the first-term Texan Governor W. Lee O’ Daniel highlighted many problems that were faced by the public schools especially in rural areas. He termed those problems as, â€Å"inequalities of opportunities in public school system (Gene Preuss).† According to his studies and research, rural schools were faced with

Insanity of War Essay Example for Free

Insanity of War Essay Joseph Heller and Kurt Vonnegut were two of the most influential anti-war authors of the twentieth century. Heller and Vonnegut served in Second World War; Heller flew sixty missions as a bombardier and Vonnegut was awarded the Purple Heart as an infantry scout. Throughout the Vietnam War, these two authors were idolized for the heroic anti-war masterpieces that they wrote. College students throughout the country carried the novels Heller and Vonnegut wrote everywhere they went. Heller first published his book in 1961, right in the midst of Civil Rights Movement, a perfect time for a book that challenges the power of bureaucracy. Vonnegut published his novel eight years later in 1969, during the Vietnam War, a controversial period for American citizens. One student was quoted saying, Kurt Vonnegut and Joseph Heller were part of a vanguard of writers my friends and I idolized (Golly). Through the use of complex structures, highly effective literary styles, and character portrayal, Heller and Vonnegut helped to reveal the insanity of war. Heller and Vonnegut both use a complex structure when writing their satirical anti-war novels. When writing Catch-22, Heller intentionally created a narrative that is hard to follow. While Heller admits that Catch-22 was meticulously structured in order to seem chaotic, he disagrees with the readers that claim Catch-22 is formless (Merrill 34). Merrill also claims that Heller says the real structure is artfully camouflaged (34). He speaks the ideas of multiple characters and tells the story in an unconventional manner. While the majority of the novel is written from the ideas, actions, and feelings of John Yossarian, the protagonist, Heller uses other characters to tell the story from a different perspective. An example of this comes in Chapter 6, aptly named Hungry Joe, where Heller writes the ideas and feelings of Hungry Joe (Heller 51). Another comes in the twentieth chapter, where the narrative comes from Corporal Whitcomb (Heller 198). Heller also uses an unorthodox chronology while writing Catch-22. Multiple times during the text Heller makes obvious jumps in time, be it forward or back. Heller uses the number of missions to help the reader follow the chronology of this insane structure. On the twenty-first page, Doc Daneeka declares that the colonel want fifty missions (Heller). He then declares that the Twenty-seventh Air Force only requires forty missions and later on the same page they are required fifty-five missions (Heller 58). Vonnegut also uses a complex structure when writing his book, Slaughterhouse-five, but rather than switching from character to character, he changes between past, present, future. Vonnegut uses a chronological scheme that is difficult to follow as well; he actually starts the narrative during the second chapter. He starts the novel, on page twenty-three, by talking about the past and tells us that the protagonist, Billy Pilgrim, was born in 1922 (Vonnegut). Seven pages later, he jumps to 1944 describing his position of assistant chaplain and his first time being unstuck in time (Vonnegut 30). Then, during the fifth chapter, starting on page eighty-eight, he talks about the past again. When he was twelve years old, he went on vacation to the Grand Canyon that he hated (Vonnegut). In addition to using a complex structure, Vonnegut uses the phrase So it goes over one hundred times (Slaughterhouse-Five). These writing structures both work to expose the insanity of war. Heller creates a chaotic atmosphere by writing through numerous characters and through a chronology that is anything but in a logical order. While Vonnegut employs the death of over a hundred people within Slaughterhouse-Five and uses an intensely paced, chronological mess (Vonnegut). They both write chapters and paragraphs that follow the same disorganized style. With the structures that Heller and Vonnegut use, they both create a chaotic atmosphere for their readers, similar to that of war. They attempt to place the readers in a situation that makes them feel similar to the authors, when they were in the military. Heller and Vonneguts literary style is to create tension in the mind of the reader by shifting the narrative around from character to character and to and from different time periods. They do this in order to draw the readers closer to the soldiers and bombardiers of the Second World War. By doing so, they cause the readers to begin to wonder what will be happening next in the story; much like the way the soldiers of Catch-22 do on the fictional island of Pianosa and the Slaughterhouse-Five soldiers in the German city of Dresden (Heller, Vonnegut). The overall pace of Catch-22 is slow; Heller is very descriptive and builds the setting and atmosphere. There is, however, parts of Catch-22 that are intense and fast paced. Heller uses this slow pace to build tension before the novel climaxes. Catch-22 becomes faster as it approaches the climax and the end of the novel. This change of pace ties directly to war; at first everything is slow, then suddenly, the characters are in the middle of a firefight or bombing mission, then it quickly ceases. Slaughterhouse-Five uses a slightly faster pace throughout the novel; Vonneguts narrative is much shorter and does not go into as much depth as Hellers story does. However, this is the same feeling that many soldiers of the Second World War felt. The soldiers and bombardiers do not always know what is happening next or, in regard to the current Iraqi war, which is the enemy and which is not. Heller employs another literary device, called a motif, a recurring theme or device in literature, and in the novel written by Heller, the motif was catch-22. Heller incorporates many forms of the catch-22 throughout the novel. The main catch occurs when Yossarian must continue flying missions. Obviously anyone willing to risk their lives by flying these missions is crazy. The only way to be granted permission to stop flying the missions is to ask the commanding officer, but he cannot grant permission to be grounded unless it is asked of him. However, anyone sane enough to ask a commanding officer to be grounded is clearly not insane because they have regard for their lives. Therefore, they must continue flying missions. In short, any circular argument that always works in favor of the bureaucratic system that puts it in place is a catch-22. These circular arguments trap soldiers within the chaos of war; they have no way to escape it because of the system that placed it. There is several other catch-22s in the novel Catch-22, such as the open and close case against Clevenger in which all they need is something to charge him with and how they can only meet up with Major Major Major Major in his office when he is not in his office. Vonnegut also employs the literary device motif, within his novel. He uses the phrase So it goes over one hundred times in Slaughterhouse-Five (Slaughterhouse-Five). He first uses the phrase So it goes when talking about Gerhard Mullers, a cab driver, mother, who was incinerated in the Dresden fire-storm (Vonnegut 2). During chapter nine, Vonnegut writes about how Billys wife, Valencia, dies of carbon monoxide poisoning after an accident she caused while driving to the hospital Billy was taken to after a plane accident he was involved in (Vonnegut). In the prior situation, Vonnegut ended to text with So it goes, this shows how the insanity of war causes death to mean so little to some people. The last use is on the second to last page, two hundred fourteen; he uses it after the death of Edgar Derby, an old, poor English teacher, who was arrested, tried, and shot for stealing a teapot (Vonnegut). Vonnegut uses the phrase So it goes to equalize all death. Through equalizing all death, Vonnegut brings forward how some bureaucratic systems feel about war and their effects on life. Vonnegut writes to point out the insanity of war; he shows his readers what war can cause and how his characters and their lives are affected. Hellers characters display insanity throughout Catch-22. An example of this occurs on page seventy-five, when the following conversation takes place: In sixty days youll be fighting Billy Petrolle, the colonel with the big fat mustache roared. And you think its a big fat joke. I dont think its a joke, sir, Clevenger replied. Dont interrupt Yes, sir And say sir when you do, ordered Major Metcalf. Yes, sir. Werent you just ordered not to interrupt? Major Metcalf inquired coldly. But I didnt interrupt, sir, Clevenger protested. No, and you didnt say sir, either. Add that to the charges against him, Major Metcalf directed the corporal who could take shorthand, Failure to say sir to superior officers when not interrupting them. (Heller) This conversation shows just how crazy some of Hellers characters are. Through his dialogue, Heller shows the insanity of his characters and the absurdity of war. Conversations similar to this occur a dozens of times throughout Catch-22. Another example of Heller portraying insanity occurs when the IBM machine in control of the military ranking system gains a sense of humor. After only four days of enlistment, Private Major Major Major, one of Hellers more awkward characters, becomes Major Major Major Major (Heller). This mistake portrays another chaotic situation that war created. The bureaucratic system causes confusion and people lose control of their responsibilities. The actions of war depicted in Vonneguts Slaughterhouse-five, caused a large amount of death. The center of the book, the German city of Dresden, is approximated to have had at least thirty-five thousand and some sources say up to one hundred thousand casualties in the infamous firebombing of Dresden during the Second World War (Bombing of Dresden). A few characters from Slaughterhouse-five share the same insanity of those from Catch-22, such as Roland Weary, who is intent on glorifying himself and uses the fact that he saved Billy multiple times to do it (Vonnegut). Although the characters from Slaughterhouse-five dont carry on crazy dialogues, they still portray madness through their actions, like when Wild Bob inquires if Billy is part of the regiment that he is colonel of, even though all his men are dead (Vonnegut). Heller and Vonnegut use their characters in a way that proves that war does really take a toll of a persons mental situation. Through their motifs, Catch-22 and So it goes, Heller and Vonnegut show that bureaucratic systems and death do not mix well. Systems like this shouldnt have control over such a life altering things, especially since they carry the attitude So it goes throughout the war. It really is insane for a system to be in place in which someone has absolute control over anothers life. And the ability of these people to have a So it goes attitude is as pure madness. The structure in Slaughterhouse-five and Catch-22 are very similar in that the both follow a chronology that is nowhere near in order. This is significant because it puts the reader into the insanity of war. The have the same confusion that soldier does until they realize what is really going on. Through the use of characters, motifs, and confusing chronologies; these brilliant antiwar authors capture the insanity of war.

Political Orientations and Its Impact on industrial relations

Political Orientations and Its Impact on industrial relations The following content will evaluate how and to what extent workplace representatives in the current era are important in trade unions. Trade unions are organisations that represent people at work and are principally concerned with protecting its members in the employment relationship. (Salamon. 1987. 81). A trade union consists of a group of workers who come together to organise and represent their interests in order to be more conversant and powerful when it comes down to cooperating with their employers. The trade unions or labour unions originated when groups of workers came together to form an organisation that works towards their well being (Edwards, March, 2003). The significance of the trade unions lie in the fact that they can negotiate wages, rules of hiring, recruitment and firing, working conditions, workplace security and safety policies, employee benefits, compliant processes, promotion policies, retirement benefits, etc. with the employers and the government on behalf of their members (Dine, 2007). The trade unions gain their strength due to the numbers of members who join them. Thus, providing the unions with the power to sometimes dictate terms to employers, governments and other parties and may influence the political, economic and social climate within a country (Dine, 2007). The unions also by virtue of their positions exercise power and influence on their members as well as non-members (Edwards, March, 2003). The essay will look at Trade Unions in UK and USA: Politi cal Orientations and Its Impact on the Industrial Relations aims to compare and contrast the political orientation of trade unions of the United kingdom and the United States of America and evaluate their differential impact on the industrial relations systems in both the countries. In an attempt to achieve this aim, this essay looked at the trade unions in the UK and the Labour Unions in the USA and made a comparative analysis of the differences and similarities between the two with regard to their political orientations. And, tried to analyze how these similarities and differences in their political orientations impacted the systems of industrial relations that existed in both the countries. The essay thus aimed at providing explanatory insights into understanding the relations that existed between the political orientations of trade / labour unions and the industrial relations systems of a country. The trade unions originated in Europe and spread across of different countries around the world during the industrial revolution (Ebbinghaus and Visser, 2000). The trade unions in the United Kingdom were established as early as 1867 and aimed at improving the socio-economic situation of members of the working class (Ebbinghaus and Visser, 2000). It soon turned into a movement that resulted in the formation of the present day Labour Party in the UK (McIlroy, Fishman and Campbell, April, 2008). With changing times and governments in the country, trade unions saw an upheaval in their power orientation, membership trends and structure (Josselin, January, 2001). What began as a movement by the blue collared industrial workers, are now being supported and participated in by white collared shop workers and office workers in the UK (Poole, 2003). Some of the main trade unions in the UK include the National Union of Mineworkers, the National Union of Agricultural Workers, the Association of C otton Spinners, the Operative Society of Bricklayers, the Amalgamated Society of Engineers, the National Union of Gasworkers General Labourers, the National Union of Railwaymen and the Transport and General Workers Union, etc (Ebbinghaus and Visser, 2000). These unions are members of larger bodies known as the Trades Union Congress (TUC), the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) (Reid, April, 2005). In the USA, the trade unions are known as the labour unions. These are similar to trade unions in the UK, however comparatively smaller in size of memberships. The Labour Unions in the United States exert its power or influence through its allegiance within the Democratic Party and other like minded organisations (Kochan, Katz and McKersie, 1994). The members belonging to the labour unions include public sector employees such as law-enforcements officers, educators, etc (Kochan, Katz and McKersie, 1994). These unions similar to the unions of the UK aim at improving the working conditions of their members along with negotiations for better wages, working conditions benefits, post retirement benefits, security and safety of workers, etc. Some of the examples of labour union organisations in the USA include the American Federation of Labor, the Workingmans Party, the Industrial Workers of the World, the Knights of Labor, the United Mine Workers, the Congress for Industrial Organisations , etc ((Kochan, Katz and McKersie, 1994). These unions fall under the umbrella of two major labour unions namely: the Change to Win Federation (CtW Federation) and the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organisations (AFL-CIO) (Kochan, Katz and McKersie, 1994). The aims or goals of the trade / labour unions in both the counties and in other parts of the world remain similar and yet there are differences in the way these unions / organisations are organised, structured, functioned and negotiated their power of influence. Black had suggested that trade unions, however big or small, have the ability to change the politico-socio-economic environment of a country and this is the reason for their power (Black, July, 2005). With the advent of media and worldwide communication systems, these unions are gaining further strength and the ability to influence governments, private business enterprises and the masses (Yates, May, 2009). Hence it is interesting to understand how these organisations exert or apply its power if at all on the political climate of a country and influence the systems of industrial relations. Comparison of Political Orientations of the Trade / Labour Unions The trade unions in the UK and the Labour Unions of the USA share similarities and dissimilarities that impact their political orientations. In the UK, the trade unions find expression in the countrys politics through the Labour Party (Hyman, 2001). In the USA, on the other hand, the labour unions express themselves through the Democratic Party (Hyman, 2001). Weiss had suggested that the governments in countries are generally influenced and limited by the political, economic and welfare organisations with the countries (Weiss, 2004). Trade / labour unions are among the bodies that have the capability to influence the way a government makes policies on different subjects especially those which have the ability to directly or indirectly affect the workers of the country (Weiss, 2004). The free economy of the USA makes it difficult for the policy makers of the country to balance between the demands of the labour unions and those of the corporate enterprises (Frege and Kelly, November, 2004). In the light of the recent economic recession that hit the country in 2008, the political circles found it difficult to find a mid way between governmental regulations on worker benefits and corporate losses to meet those regulations. In the UK however, trade unions have had a significant influence on the way the economic and social development policies were laid out by the government (Clark, April, 2009). It is only in recent years, when the UK government has started to open up its economy to make it more liberal, have the political orientations of the trade unions lost their strong hold (Armingeon, March, 2006). It is interesting to understand here is that the Labour Party, which has strong ties with the trade unions, is the ruling party in the UK. The social orientation of t he trade unions in the UK has resulted in the centre-left orientation of the present ruling party in the country. In the USA on the other hand, the Democratic Party, the ruling party adopts a liberal approach. It however is similarly oriented (centre-left) as the Labour Party of the UK. The question that can be asked at this point is whether the orientations of the ruling parties in the two countries can be attributed to the political orientations of the trade / labour unions in both the countries. With changing times, the memberships of the trade / labour unions have taken a hit (Croucher and Cotton, January, 2009). This has not only impacted their ability to influence but also their own organisational strength (Kubicek, 2004). Both the countries, UK and USA, have liberal economies, making it difficult for the unions in the present day context to completely influence the rules, policies and strategies that govern the markets and consequently the political scenario (Jose, 2002). Thu s it can be stated that the political orientations of the trade / labour unions in the two countries have definite influence over the way in which the rules and policies are made by the governments in the two countries and that these impact the industrial relations systems. Impact on the Industrial Relations Systems The strength of the labour / trade unions lay in their ability to negotiate better working terms with the employers and get the governments in different countries to form labour laws that were labour oriented (Kelly and Willman, 2004). In the face of the changing times and the post communist era, the role of the labour / trade unions has started to dwindle (Clark, Delaney and Frost, March, 2003; Wahl, 2004). The question that remains is whether the labour / trade unions and their political orientations still have the ability to impact and influence the industrial relations systems in different countries. In UK, over the recent years, there have been fall in the membership of the trade unions (Crowley and Ost, 2001). One of the most commonly cited reason for this is the inability of these unions to use their political orientations and negotiating powers to benefit the workers (Frege and Kelly, 2003). Similar issues have been identified in the US as well. Studies have shown that the trade / labour unions are not being able to offer the collective bargaining coverage to all jobs in a country (Kubicek, 2004). This is not only reducing the faith that workers had on the labour / trade unions but also the influence that these unions had on the systems of industrial relations. There have been different causes cited for the diminishing influence and impact of the labour / trade unions in the UK and the USA. Kubicek had found that the labour / trade unions were lacking in a definite labour agenda and resources (Kubicek, 2004). Crowley and Ost had suggested that the trade / labour unions are no w merely regarded as the reflection of the former socialist endeavours and thought to no longer function as agents of the worker welfare (Crolwey and Ost, 2001). However, there have been instances where the political orientations of the unions have helped in preventing the government in turning completely capitalistic in its approach in the present day (The Trade Union Movement, New Labour, and Working-Class Politics. Workers Liberty). The economy of the UK and the changing economy of the USA (post the economic debacle) are changing the way the labour / trade unions and their political orientations are impacting the industrial relations systems in both the countries. Thus in conclusion, it can be said that the uncertainties created by the economic conditions in the USA and the UK are impacting the political systems and thereby changing the influence of trade / labour unions and their political orientations. These changes and impacts are being felt in the formal organisational conditions as well as the power of the employers, collective bargaining and industrial relations systems. The final outcomes being exhibited are in the form of democracy and / or oligarchy through competition, opposition, internal bargaining and finally, decentralisation of the decision-making power.

The Philosophical Legacy of the 16th and 17th Century Socinians: Their Rationality :: Philosophy Religion Essays

The Philosophical Legacy of the 16th and 17th Century Socinians: Their Rationality ABSTRACT: The doctrines of the Socinians represent a rational reaction to a medieval theology based on submission to the Church’s authority. Though they retained Scripture as something supra rationem, the Socinians analyzed it rationally and believed that nothing should be accepted contra rationem. Their social and political thought underwent a significant evolutionary process from a very utopian pacifistic trend condemning participation in war and holding public and judicial office to a moderate and realistic stance based on mutual love, support of the secular power of the state, active participation in social and political life, and the defense of social equality. They spoke out against the enserfment of peasants, and were the first Christians to postulate the separation of Church and state. The spirit of absolute religious freedom expressed in their practice and writings, ‘determined, more or less immediately, all the subsequent revolutions in favor of religious liber ty.’(1) The precursor ideas of the Socinians on religious freedom later were expanded, perfected, and popularized by Locke and Pierre Bayle. Locke’s ideas were transplanted to America by James Madison and Thomas Jefferson who implemented them in American legislation. The rationality of the Socinians set the trend for the philosophical ideas of the Enlightenment and determined the future development of many modern intellectual endeavors. Several religious and intellectual movements today claim the right to the heritage of the religious group, the Socinians, that developed in Poland and in Transylvania in XVIth and XVIIth centuries. The claimants vary from the Christian churches to the atheistic or deistic Humanists and each of them usually selects a specific set of Socinian views ignoring the rest. The Socinians were known under various names such as the Polish Brethren, Antitrinitarians, Arians, and Unitarians. The name Socinians was used mostly in western Europe.(2) They were eventually expelled from Poland in 1660 to fulfill King John Casimir's religious vow to the Holy Virgin to avenge the denial of the Divine Trinity by "heretics." Such a denial was deemed an act most blasphemous according to Catholic ideology. Historical Outline At the roots of Socinianism are the theological ideas transplanted from western Europe and the social ideas borrowed initially from the Anabaptists and Moravian Brethren. Discussions at the meetings of the secret society of Catholic scholars in Cracow since 1546 had, as a purpose, reform of the church and included the works of Michael Servetus.

Literary Analysis of Dr. Seuss Essay -- Dr. Seuss Books Literature chi

Literary Analysis of Dr. Seuss Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, is perhaps one of the most beloved children’s authors of the twentieth century. Although he is most famous as an author of children’s books, Geisel was also a political cartoonist, advertisement designer, and film director (Kaplan). He used the power of imagination to produce unforgettable children’s books and helped solve the problem of illiteracy among America’s children. By using his experiences in life as a foundation for most of his books, Theodor Geisel created a unique writing style that incorporated various elements and techniques, enabling his books to appeal to people of all ages.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The animated life of Theodor Geisel is evident in his literary masterpieces. He was born on March 2, 1904 in Springfield, Massachusetts to Theodor and Henrietta Geisel (Ford 14). Geisel grew up speaking German and English, and his fascination with quirky words began at an early age due to his family. For example, his sister, Margaretha, called herself Marnie Ding Ding Guy, and his first creation was the Wynnmph with ears three yards long (Kaplan). During his childhood, Geisel read widely and often - developing his voracious reading habit at an early age. By the time he was six years old, Ted was already reading Charles Dickens and Robert Louis Stevenson (Kaplan). However, college education never interested him. Labeled â€Å"Least Likely To Succeed† by his fellow classmates at Dartmouth University, Theodor often got in trouble for partying and was forced to resign from the school humor magazine. This gave birth to numerous pseudonyms of Geisel, such as L. B urbank, Thomas Mott Osbourne, Ted Seuss, Seuss, Dr. Seuss, and Theo LeSieg (Hurst). In his adult life, Theodor created various political cartoons for Judge, a humor magazine, and PM, a noted political magazine. The illustrations in these early cartoons foreshadow the quirky illustrations found in his children’s books (Kaplan). Geisel turned to writing children’s books when creating numerous ads for the popular insecticide, Flit, left him with little to do during the winter months (Hurst). By 1990, Dr. Seuss had written over forty books, two of which were Caldecott Honor books, and won two Academy Awards for his documentaries (Krull 39). Unfortunately, battling glaucoma and cataracts became too much for Theodor; he died on September... ...hors who got away with moralizing. The quirky illustrations and creative wordplay enable his readers to enjoy his books, while at the same time recognize morals (Hurst). Because of his innovative approach to writing books for children, Dr. Seuss has influenced American society immensely. The Oobleck he created in Bartholomew and Oobleck became the green, slimy gunk now seen on popular television networks, such as Nickelodeon (Ford 66). Furthermore, his publishing company, Beginner Books, produced a new series of children’s books called the Berenstein Bears, enabling children to enjoy more reading (Kaplan).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Dr. Seuss revolutionized children’s literature and instilled in children the desire to read. According to literary critic Clifton Fadiman, â€Å"Theodor Geisel Seuss provided ingenious and uniquely witty solutions to the standing problem of illiteracy among children (qtd. in Kaplan).† Due to various influential figures and profound experiences during his lifetime, as well as expert use of creative literary techniques, Theodor Seuss Geisel’s children’s books continue to compel readers of all ages – allowing them to escape into different worlds filled with nonsense.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  

Examples of human societies that collapsed prior to c. 1700 CE

Classic Mayan civilization was among the most advanced to ever develop in the New World prior to European contact, and at its height, Mayan cities supported populations estimated at 250 to 750 people per square mile. 1 They were the only advanced Mesoamerican civilization to have developed an extensive system of writing; they also developed their own unique calendar, and extensively studied mathematics and astronomy.The Classic period of Maya civilization is thought to have begun around 250 CE, based on scholarly interpretation of glyphs on Mayan monuments. 2 It is thought that the occurrence of certain repetitive glyphs within an area signify the rise of a local dynasty or kingdom. Based on the number of archeologically verified houses, the Mayan population is estimated to have exponentially increased to its peak of approximately 13 million in around 750CE3, accompanied by a similar increase in the number and size of monuments and buildings.After this point these numbers decline unt il around 900 CE, which is said to mark the collapse of the Classic Mayan civilization in general. Among Mayan cities of the Classic period, however, some were noted to have peaked and collapsed as early as 600 CE, while others persisted much longer, such as Chichen Itza (around 1250 CE). 4The end of the Classic Maya period was not the end of Mayan civilization itself, because Spanish explorers such as Cortes encountered Mayan resistance as they established their presence in the area. While diseases introduced by the Spanish occupation eventually brought the survivors’ numbers down to an estimated 3,000 in 1714 CE5, the Spanish occupation itself was not a significant factor in the decline of a civilization which had already reached its zenith and collapsed centuries before.Although the Spaniards’ religious fervor drove them to destroy several of the Mayan manuscripts out of fear of paganism, the surviving written records have enabled archeologists to understand much ab out the Mayan writing system, and the explorers’ own documentation of the Maya have proved helpful to scholars6. Modern scientific methods have enabled us to understand a great deal about the factors that may have undermined such an advanced society and brought about its downfall.Located at latitudes of 17o to 22o north of the equator, rainfall in the land of the ancient Maya is seasonal and unpredictable, and hence in reality, the habitat of the Mayan civilization can be most accurately described as a seasonal rainforest or desert7. Rainfall varies with location, from 500 mm a year along the north coast, to 4,000 mm a year in some southern areas8. Due to the unpredictable timing and amount of rain in any given season, even modern farmers have frequently encountered difficulties in growing crops.The Maya obviously succeeded in their agricultural efforts for a long time, and cities such as Tikal even show evidence of the construction of cisterns and reservoirs to store water i n times of drought9. However, considering the high population density of Classic Mayan cities at their peak, even with their successful agriculture and ability to store water reserves in times of drought, the Maya would still have been vulnerable to severe, prolonged drought – perhaps enough to send them into collapse.To find records of what the climate in the Mayan homeland was like at that time, geologists from the University of Florida gathered sediment cores from several lakes in the Yucatan area and analyzed the patterns of deposition, which indicate that the driest interval in the region in the past 7,000 years had coincided with the collapse of the Classic Maya civilization, between 800-1000 CE. A further study by Larry Peterson and Gerald Haug used x-ray fluorescence to analyze oceanic sediment cores.Titanium and iron deposits in the sediment were used as indicators of rainfall, because these elements originate predominantly from continental rocks and thus a high amou nt of titanium and iron deposits would reflect on a high volume of rainfall on land in that year. The results corroborated the previous study that had been made using freshwater sediments, indicating an unusually long and severe drought during the period of Classic Maya collapse10. Despite this evidence, the drought theory behind the collapse of Classic Mayan civilization remains far from providing a complete and thoroughly satisfactory explanation.It fails to account for the previously mentioned differences in the dates of collapse of cities that lay within the same region and presumably suffered from the same drought. It has been suggested that the first cities to fall to the drought were more vulnerable by virtue of location, being less proximate to natural bodies of water, such as springs and rivers. This could then lead to warfare between cities due to competition for scant resources, and since the Mayan cities never were united into a single empire, it is likely that such warf are may have greatly destabilized Mayan society.As with other cases of collapsed societies throughout history, it is likely that multiple causes, of which drought was the most significant but by no means the only one, contrived to bring about the fall of the advanced Mayan society. Another society that was founded, peaked, and collapsed close to our modern day home would be the Anasazi of Chaco Canyon. This society had collapsed well before the arrival of Columbus, but unlike the Maya, left behind no written records. What is known about the Anasazi comes from using a combination of scientific methods to analyze what remains of their society.The Native Americans who first settled the U. S. Southwest faced a problem that is still obvious today. This region has very low and unpredictable rainfall. Drought is often cited as the obvious major reason for Anasazi society’s collapse, but recent studies indicate that the Anasazi sites themselves may still have been able to sustain a p opulation at the time of their abandonment. 11 In the study of the decline and collapse of Anasazi society, archeologists have relied heavily on a few methods of analysis.One lies in the field of dendrochronology and is particularly useful since the Anasazi, particularly at Chaco Canyon, made heavy use of timber for their construction. Using the thickness of individual tree rings from a particular piece of timber, dendrochronologists are able match patterns in the rings of different trees from the same region. By comparing several different trees in this manner, dendrochronologists are able to correctly associate each ring with a specific year, starting from trees in the present day and dating back for thousands of years.Dendrochronological studies thus present highly detailed information regarding the weather patterns of the U. S. Southwest and can indicate not only years of high rainfall or drought, but also the amount of rainfall and the season within a particular year during whi ch the rain fell12. Scientists have also analyzed the contents of pack rat middens to gain insight into the local vegetation. Pack rats (Neotoma spp. ) are rodents that have lived in the area for thousands of years, and gather vegetation and other organic material from within their small territorial range, preserving it in their nests, called ‘middens’.Pack rat midden analysis has allowed scientists to determine that the initial area around Chaco Canyon was forested with pinyon and juniper trees which no longer grow today in the vicinity, and led to the conclusion that the Anasazi of Chaco Canyon had deforested their surrounding woodland for firewood to fuel their pottery making, and for construction material as Chaco became an effective political and religious center for the Anasazi society. 3 Furthermore, studies of strontium isotopes in other types of wood used at Chaco indicate that several conifer logs had actually been imported from more distant areas such as the Chuska and San Mateo mountains, presumably after Chaco itself had been deforested. 14 It is believed that this deforestation led to irreversible nutrient loss in the soil of the Chaco area, which is further strengthened by studies of food remains at archeological sites.These remains indicate that as the food supply in Chaco deteriorated, its inhabitants resorted to eating rabbits and mice, and eventually cannibalism, as evidenced by boiled human bones with smooth ends and human muscle protein found in preserved dried human feces. 15 It is probable that cannibalism came with social unrest, possibly a revolt by the providers of Chaco Canyon against the elite, and that together with these factors, a drought (dated by tree rings to around 1130 CE) pushed Anasazi society at Chaco past its limits.Numbering at possibly 5,000 or more at their peak, the Chaco Anasazi had already exhausted and deforested their environment, and likely fought amongst themselves for the remaining resources. The final example I choose to discuss is the collapse of the Norse settlement of Greenland. Greenland is a harsh and fragile environment, but at the time of the Norse occupation around 980 CE, it was experiencing a relatively warm period that lasted from 800 – 1300 CE, ending with the start of the Little Ice Age.Information about Greenland’s climate is derived from palynological studies, wherein scientists analyze pollen found in mud deposits extracted from the bottom of lakes and bogs, and ice core studies. Pollen studies reveal what sort of plants were growing in the area, and can reveal subtle shifts in climate when pollen from cold-tolerant species is prevalent.Similar to dendrochronology, ice core studies reveal the amount of snowfall within a year, and by using a mass spectrometer it is possible to analyze the content of oxygen isotopes within a layer of snow, with the ratios of these isotopes indicating the average climate during that year. Ice cores can also reveal how stormy the year was in which the snow fell by analyzing concentrations of sodium and calcium ions, which are brought inland by sea spray. 16 By 1000 CE the Norse had settled Greenland in two different areas with a total population of around 5,000.They relied on hay farming to feed their livestock, which consisted of goats, sheep, and cows, but due to the length and severity of their winters, they were forced to estimate how many animals they could support with their stockpiled hay, and slaughter the remainder. If the winter lasted longer than expected, the consequences could obviously lead to the starvation and death of the few remaining livestock. Their pastoral lifestyle, use of turf for buildings, and need for firewood demanded the clearing of native vegetation, and livestock trampling hampered the regeneration of trees.Palynological studies support the conclusion that the Norse had deforested the environment and caused soil erosion, with the decline of pollen from willow an d birch trees as well as the presence of topsoil at the bottom of lakes indicating the loss of plant cover and soil. The loss of abundant lumber resulted in the halting of construction involving wood, and the lack of firewood limited the Norse in their efforts to pasteurize dairy products and extract iron for their implements.Unlike the Norse, the Inuit who settled Greenland in about 1200 CE managed to exploit the resources of the sea with their kayaks, hunting plentiful fish (which the Norse oddly refused to eat, as evidenced by the complete lack of fish remains in garbage) and whales, whose blubber could be used for fuel and warmth. Possible hostile contact between the Norse and Inuit may also have led to the decline of Norse society on Greenland, because it prevented the Norse from peacefully interacting with their neighbors and learning from them how to adapt to the extreme conditions.Another factor that weakened the Norse settlement was the increasing difficulty of transportati on, and hence trade and communication, across the sea with mainland Norway, as the cold weather brought by the Little Ice Age set in and ice began to make seafaring dangerous. 17 Summarized concisely in the words of Jared Diamond, the Norse settlement of Greenland collapsed due to â€Å"environmental damage, climate change, loss of friendly contacts with Norway, rise of hostile contacts with the Inuit, and the political, economic, social, and cultural setting of the Greenland Norse. †18